Nintendo is not putting a lot of weight on this title, simply because the install base is completely different now. People aren't tired of Wii Fit, and will probably buy sequels, but getting a console to go with is costly. If Nintendo makes a bundle with the balance board/game, then it means they'll be serious about its sales. Otherwise, it's a game Nintendo thinks can show off the gamepad's abilities nicely, and get some buzz, and can have very long legs once the install base does grow. Personally, I can't wait for it. I love the Wii Fit Plus mini games.

I also want the digital version, but I'm afraid I'll miss the pedometer...

First one, why does everyone think Nintendo is targeting the initial buyers of Wii Fit? You guys think those 20-something million are the only ones on the planet capable of being interested in the series? lol

That was five years ago, those people don't matter any more (and may not even have Wii Us). Casual games are targeted for absolutely everyone, Nintendo will be hoping for a new 20 mil here.

Also, Nintendo is not putting a lot of weight in this? Did someone call up Iwata and he said 'Yeah our most profitable game last gen, don't really care this time around'

I'm not sure if Wii Fit U is going to be the success that Nintendo is hoping for. If we look at Nintendo's other big casual games from last gen, their current gen sequels haven't done nearly as well. The Nintendogs' sequel hasn't sold badly, but has sold a fraction of the original (25 million to 3 million).[....]

It helps that the DS has sold 5x the number of units to date, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. If we're talking "casual" titles then it's worth noting that New SMB continues to sell very well across all platforms, Animal Crossing is doing ridiculously well on the 3DS, Professor Layton also sold very well on the 3DS. Also worth noting that Wii Fit came out in 2007 and sold ~23mill units and despite that Wii Fit Plus which launched two years later managed to almost equal it with ~21mill units sold. So I wouldn't make the assumption that Wii Fit is incapable of moving units because it was "so 2008".

Actually for some anecdotal evidence I didn't get any of the Wii Fit titles but am probably going to get Wii Fit U when it comes out. The idea of having separate user accounts and the ability to not have to use the TV for it is pretty appealing I think. Plus the fact that I'm more interested in fitness in general than I was 4-6 years ago and that I can probably find an unwanted balance board fairly easily. I think it'll sell reasonably well if there are other people like me.

It helps that the DS has sold 5x the number of units to date, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. If we're talking "casual" titles then it's worth noting that New SMB continues to sell very well across all platforms, Animal Crossing is doing ridiculously well on the 3DS, Professor Layton also sold very well on the 3DS.

Exactly... the install base is not there, so the impact cannot be the same this time. Still, just like Wii Fit Plus was a huge success, this is an overdue sequel. Many will want to upgrade, and Nintendo will be targeting those willing to upgrade. They really need the bundle to entice them though.

Actually for some anecdotal evidence I didn't get any of the Wii Fit titles but am probably going to get Wii Fit U when it comes out.

Awesome. I am just hoping that there will be more Balance Board uses. The new Olympics game not using the balance board is not a good sign. I had fun with the Balance Board in the 2010 Olympics game, in Punchout!!, in Avatar , in some Wiiware games., in Rabbids TV Party..

I'm not sure if Wii Fit U is going to be the success that Nintendo is hoping for. If we look at Nintendo's other big casual games from last gen, their current gen sequels haven't done nearly as well. The Nintendogs' sequel hasn't sold badly, but has sold a fraction of the original (25 million to 3 million).[....]

It helps that the DS has sold 5x the number of units to date, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. If we're talking "casual" titles then it's worth noting that New SMB continues to sell very well across all platforms, Animal Crossing is doing ridiculously well on the 3DS, Professor Layton also sold very well on the 3DS. Also worth noting that Wii Fit came out in 2007 and sold ~23mill units and despite that Wii Fit Plus which launched two years later managed to almost equal it with ~21mill units sold. So I wouldn't make the assumption that Wii Fit is incapable of moving units because it was "so 2008".

Actually for some anecdotal evidence I didn't get any of the Wii Fit titles but am probably going to get Wii Fit U when it comes out. The idea of having separate user accounts and the ability to not have to use the TV for it is pretty appealing I think. Plus the fact that I'm more interested in fitness in general than I was 4-6 years ago and that I can probably find an unwanted balance board fairly easily. I think it'll sell reasonably well if there are other people like me.

Fair points. But I wouldn't put NSMB, Animal Crossing, etc. in the same casual/expanded audience (not that I'm using those as negative terms by the way) brackets as Brain Training, Nintendogs, etc. They're very much traditional Nintendo games with appeal to a traditional Nintendo/gamer audience. And yes the DS had a much bigger install base in the end, but not at the time of the games' respective releases. In the whole of the 3DS's lifespan Nintendogs + Cats isn't going to get anywhere near 25 million (currently at about 3 million) and the 3DS Brain Training sequel has completely bombed compared to the original. I suppose another one would be Wii Play (original nearly 30 million, sequel about 1 million, though that was slightly different). It is true that Wii Fit Plus did sell exceedingly well, but I'm sure this was partly because it basically replaced Wii Fit on the store shelves when Wii Fit was still super-hot, so it was just carrying on the sales that Wii Fit would have got. I'm not saying Wii Fit U will flop, what do I know, I'm just offering a theory that (based on other "expanded audience" titles that have carried over to the next gen; Nintendogs and Brain Training) just because it was super-popular with casual gamers 6 or 7 years ago, doesn't guarantee that it will be again.

btw. What happened to that Japanese horror adventure game where the balance board is used to stand still so monsters don't notice you, or run away when they're after you?
That was an interesting concept.

Wii Fit U would be a perfect downloadable title. I hope they sell downlad codes in stores with those pedometers attached.

In all seriousness, there's a possibility I might buy this, because I never played the original, but right now I'm looking forward to the possibility of a Wii Sports Resort U because I've always wanted to play that game, but never ended up getting it, and I think it's fairly likely.

When I think about, I think they'll release the game in early February, maybe end of January. Think about it: who does fitness during the holiday season? Right after the holidays, people feel like they need to lose weight so that's time to strike.

When I think about, I think they'll release the game in early February, maybe end of January. Think about it: who does fitness during the holiday season? Right after the holidays, people feel like they need to lose weight so that's time to strike.

It's definitely a series that Nintendo needs to have on their latest system, and it does need to be another stellar introduction into the fitness world. To many "Gamers" seem to forget that "Wii Fit" is the third best-selling console game in the history. And it's partially why the Wii Fit Trainer is even in the latest Smash Brothers. Because she has become this iconic character synonymous with Nintendo

And though I consider it unlikely the latest "Wii Fit: U" will have the commercial success its predecessors has, If Nintendo market it accurately enough to get various health agencies interested in it again, then it may quite possibly be their saving grace. A "Wii Fit:U/Console" bundle would definitely help get the systems of the shelf and into potential consumer hands

I noticed that there is a free trial period for this game and all that, which will eventaully turn into a fully paid verison of the eShop, which makes me wonder. For people like me that never got a Wii balance board, are they going to come out a with a bundle again for Wii Fit U?